The Norman Conquest of Southern Italy and Sicily - Softcover

Brown, Gordon S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786414723 ISBN 13: 9780786414727

Publisher: McFarland & Company, 2003

Synopsis

The Normans originally came to Italy and Sicily in the 11th and 12th centuries looking for adventure or a livelihood, but once there, found opportunity for fame and fortune. The story of the Norman conquest in Italy and Sicily is indeed one of knights and adventurers, great battles and lowly pillage, opportunism and statesmanship, and crusade and coexistence.

This rich and often dramatic study focuses on the eight sons of Tancred of Hauteville, especially Robert Guiscard, who has been called "the most dazzling military ruler between Julius Caesar and Napoleon," and his youngest brother Roger, who conquered Sicily. It discusses how they expanded their lands throughout southern Italy, and then took Sicily from its Muslim rulers. The brothers, often in conflict with each other, challenged both the Papacy and the Byzantine Empire, became the main supporters of the reformed Papacy, and founded a rich, sophisticated kingdom that lasted until the nineteenth century.

About this title

About the Author:

Retired ambassador and diplomat Gordon S. Brown lives in Washington, D.C.

Review:

"Excellent...useful textbook...well-written...interesting read." --De Re Militari

"Interesting...accessible." --Military Heritage

"Interesting...accessible." --Military Heritage

About this edition

• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0786414723
• ISBN 13: 9780786414727
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 222